TOKYO (AP) — Ryan Crouser broke his own Olympic record on his way to defending his shot put title. It was a tribute to his late grandfather.
The American world record-holder even wrote a note days before the competition in the Tokyo Games that predicted the gold medal.
Ryan Crouser, of United States, holds a sign while celebrating winning the gold medal in the final of the men’s shot put with his father and coach, Mitch Crouser, at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Matthias Hangst/Pool Photo via AP) 
Ryan Crouser, of United States competes in the final of the men’s shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) 
Ryan Crouser, of United States takes off his finger tape after winning the gold in the final of the men’s shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) 
Cousin Haley Crouser, left, and grandmother Marie Crouser, right, watch with friends and family in Redmond, Ore., Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, as Ryan Crouser competes in the men’s shot put finals at the Tokyo Olympics. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) 
Lisa Crouser reacts Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Redmond, Ore., as her son Ryan Crouser wins the gold medal in the shot put at the Tokyo Olympics. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) 
Gold medalist Ryan Crouser, of the United States, waves during the medal ceremony for the men’s shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) 
Gold medalist Ryan Crouser, of the United States, poses during the medal ceremony for the men’s shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) 
Ryan Crouser, of United States celebrates in the final of the men’s shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Larry Crouser died shortly before Ryan left for Tokyo. It was years ago in Larry Crouser’s backyard that Ryan attempted his first toss with the heavy metal ball that would shape his life.
U.S. teammate Joe Kovacs finished second and Tomas Walsh of New Zealand was third.
That was the exact same podium as five years ago at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.